Princess of Heaven

"Dear, what art thou thinking?"

In the present day, King Wesley came off the memory road and focused on his wife, who was cuddled close and giving him a curious look. They were sitting on a bench, at Memoria Park in Homebrew City. She was holding their baby girl, while their two older children were playing with other kids on the grass. As they had decided to visit the Human world, their wings were hidden until the time came to use them.

When Wesley saw his Queen, he couldn't help but think of the ways she changed over the years. She had grown just an inch taller, and her hair had become long enough to be tied in a braid that went over her shoulder. While her facial features still had that doll-like look, they were noticeably a bit more mature. Her gleaming gold eyes held so much warmth in them now, and she looked that much more…vibrant.

It took the King a moment longer to respond because he was so captivated by his Queen, and he coughed it out while blushing slightly.

"I was…just reminiscing."

She hummed at that. "What did thou remember?"

"When we first met, on the night you fell in this world. I was thinking…you've changed so much from back then."

She smiled softly. "Yes, I suppose so. Thou have changed much more, however. I remember how insufferable thou were in those days."

Wesley chuckled sheepishly. "And you were so annoying to me. I never expected that we would be here, together like this."

"Neither did I. This was an unexpected future for ve. And I could never have asked for anything better."

She leaned her head on his shoulder, and he gently held her at the waist. For a little time, they silently enjoyed each other's warmth, the sound of the baby breathing, and the sight of the joyful children. Until the Queen spoke again in a wistful tone.

"I remember…how warm thou were that night. I didn't think anything of it at first, but then…it became one of vy treasured memories. I'm happy thou were the one I met, when I landed in this world."

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Her name was Lenora Celestia, and fifteen years ago she was known as the Princess of Heaven.

On that day, she had been sparring on the castle training grounds with her father, Solas Celestia, who was the King of Heaven in those days. He was a man above men, over seven feet tall and looking regal in his white suit. His head of hair was orange like the sunset, and combined with his bushy beard he had the appearance of a lion. Even well into his 40s, he hardly had wrinkles or gray in his hair.

His golden gaze was firm and intense, even as he swung his wooden sword at his daughter with astounding speed. A diagonal slash, followed by an uppercut, then a downward slice, then a pivot into a horizontal. Lenora struggled to keep up, barely blocking and parrying the rapid series of attacks with her wooden shield, until the final pivot hit it and sent her sliding far across the floor.

Lenora stumbled and fell to one knee, panting heavily from her exertions. They had been at this for ten minutes, and she could barely keep up with her father. She slowly got back on her feet and took her fighting stance, even though her legs were wobbling. Then to her surprise, Solas sheathed his blade and his posture visibly relaxed.

"That is enough, for now." He said with a warm authority. "Come, I wish to speak with thou."

Lenora nodded and stood up, putting away her sword. She then followed her father to the balcony, and looked down at the city of Luxuria, and the kingdom beyond. This was Heaven, the sacred skyward realm where Angels lived in peace. Or at least, it was supposed to be like that.

On the horizon, there was a swirl of dark storm clouds, with lightning flashing fiercely within. The sight gave Lenora a sense of dread, chilling her heart.

"The Devils art growing restless." Her father said in a low tone. "The numbers slipping through the Sacred Gate art increasing. Doubtless, they will break through it completely, and calamity shall soon approach."

She gave him an uncertain look. "But Father, thou art the King of Heaven, the Seraph who stands above all. Thou personally vanquished many of the Devils who invaded Heaven. Thou have kept the cycle of reincarnation safe for many years "

"While I am above most classes of Devils, I am uncertain if vy power can match that of their own ruler, the Satanael. If it were to come to that…"

Solas turned and placed a hand on his daughter's shoulder, giving her an apologetic smile.

"Thou art growing well, Lenora, but I don't know how much longer I can keep training thou. When I pass, it shall be thy duty to take vy position. Thou may not feel strong enough, but I am certain thou will be fine."

Lenora looked at her father's massive wings, numbered four and coated with bright gold feathers. She then looked at her own, only one pair and pure white, and much smaller. This was the clear difference between them…

"Father, I am not even an Archangel." She murmured. "Being far below the royal rank of Seraphim, I cannot be considered ready to take thy mantle. I am not strong enough to keep our home and our people safe."

"Thou will be fine." Her father repeated, patting her head. "Thou art strong, I know it. Just keep working hard, and thou will make a great Queen. I'm sure the cycle will be safe under thy sword."

He then turned and started walking, beckoning her to follow.

"But do not worry, for now. Art thou hungry? Vee can dine on thy favorite dish."

That brought up the Princess's mood a little, and she smiled slightly as she followed her father.

________________________________________

After dinner, Lenora went to relax in the royal baths. In this large circular room, there was a wide pool with several golden faucets. Using these, the pool could be filled with water and a mix of fragrant bubble solutions.

The warm water was comforting, and the bubbles were sweet-smelling, and it all made the Princess breath out in bliss. However, as the minutes passed, the earlier talk with her father came up in her mind.

She sighed and leaned back against the pool's edge. Despite what her father said, she still doubted her own abilities. She wasn't ready to be Queen of Heaven yet, far from it.

Suddenly, someone called out from behind her, interrupting her thoughts.

"Excuse ve, Lady Lenora."

The Princess turned to see a young woman, around her age. She was a little on the tall side and had peachy skin, and was holding a towel against her curvy body. Her eyes were the color of sapphires, matching her wavy waist-length hair. Her two wings were fully grown, and colored a chocolate brown. Her posture and expression were rather composed, almost like a statue.

"Oh, Gina." Lenora said in a more relaxed manner. "Please, come in."

Gina carefully came down to sit in the bath, right beside the Princess. For the next few moments, they relaxed together in silence under the warm air.

Then Lenora looked at her friend hesitantly, wondering if she could talk to her about that problem. After another minute, she finally spoke in a quiet manner.

"Gina, do thou think I'm ready to be Queen of Heaven?"

Gina looked at her curiously. "Hm? What makes thou ask?"

"Father and I talked about how restless the Devils art becoming. He thinks it's only a matter of time before he has to fight their Satanael, and he's not certain he can defeat it. If he dies, then it'll be up to ve to take his mantle."

"And thou lack a belief in thy worthiness of being Queen of Heaven?"

Lenora picked up a small clump of bubbles. "I am not even an Archangel, how can I be worthy? I'm not strong enough to protect Heaven, its people, and the cycle of reincarnation. If Father were to die…I don't know what I'd do."

Gina hummed and closed her eyes, and it took a few moments before she opened them again.

"I cannot say if thou art ready." She said calmly. "Thou art right, thou art not an Archangel. It will be a while longer before thou art ready for the duties of the Queen."

She then gave Lenora a small smile before continuing.

"But even so, I shall always be at thy side, supporting thou in thy efforts. I'm sure thy people would say the same. Thou art not alone, so do not fret."

Lenora was finally able to relax, and a relieved smile crossed her lips. Right…she wasn't alone, and this burden wasn't just hers to bear. She had Gina, and everyone else, to help her be the Queen she wanted to be.

"Thou always know what to say, Gina." She said softly. "I thank thou, for being vy friend since vee were children. I don't know what I'd do without thou at vy side."

Gina simply nodded, and once again the two silently relaxed together within the steamy bath.

______________________________________

Later that night, Lenora was laying on her bed, staring up at the ceiling. She couldn't fall asleep, no matter how long she closed her eyes. She had this ill feeling, like something dreadful was getting close.

She sighed and rolled out of bed, deciding to get a glass of warm milk from the kitchen. Maybe that would help settle her nerves…

When she left her room, she was met by her father, who was leading a band of knights. The grave look on his face made her freeze, and she wondered if he had felt something too.

"Father, do thou feel like…something is wrong?" She voiced with uncertainty.

He nodded. "So thou did as well…There's no doubt, evil is approaching. Quickly, find Gina and go with her to the library, and take the royal passage. From there, thou can make the dive to the Earth Realm."

The Earth Realm, an unknown territory which was far below Heaven, and where many Human souls came from. No Angel had ever gone down there before, so it was a surprise for King Solas to suggest his daughter make the dive. For that matter…

"Why do I have to go?" Lenora questioned. "Father, if a threat is approaching, I wish to be at thy side."

Solas nodded solemnly. "I understand. However, this threat may be far beyond thy capabilities. Thou may have grown enough to handle even Daredevils, but what of the higher ranks? Please, flee with Gina. Hone thy power, and one day thou will be able to come back."

As reluctant as the Princess was…she knew her father was right. It pained her to admit it, but she was not strong enough to fight higher classes of Devils. She still needed to train, and for that she had to survive. All she could do…was have faith in her father, the King of Heaven.

"...I hope this isn't too serious." She murmured. "Until vee meet again, Father. Goodbye."

She walked past him, then took one hesitant look back before sprinting down the hall.

_____________________________________

Upon being informed of the approaching evil, Gina quickly got dressed in her maid outfit and called for the other maids to mobilize with the knights. Then she and Lenora made haste for the library. Once there, they navigated through rows and rows of bookshelves, until they found a tall painting that depicted a somewhat younger King Solas, with a baby Lenora in his arms.

Lenora tenderly ran her hand over the painting, feeling the regret of leaving her father behind. While she knew it was necessary…it still pained her heart.

The painting glowed bright under her touch, then disappeared to reveal a tunnel. This was it, the royal passage. Just through here, and she'd be safe.

However, she couldn't bring herself to go in. Instead, she looked back, conflicted about what she should do. Could she really leave her father and her subjects behind? Even if she was weak…she was still the Princess of Heaven, and had a duty to protect her people.

She gave an uncertain look to Gina, who returned with a cool face and a slight nod.

"Wherever thou go, I'll always follow." She said in assurance.

Lenora took a deep breath and closed her eyes, taking a moment to think. When she became certain of her decision, her eyes narrowed and she nodded in determination.

"I cannot abandon vy people." She declared. "I cannot leave Father to fight alone. Gina, let us go!"

With that, she began to sprint back the way she came, with her trusted aid beside her.

______________________________________

They arrived outside just as the battle was beginning.

Under the light of the moon and stars, Lenora could see hundreds of Angels meeting the dark-winged Devils above the city. She could hear their warrior cries, they instilled more morale within her.

"Carnwennan, Prydwen!" She called out, taking a battle stance.

Her leaf-shaped shortsword and golden buckler appeared in her hands, and she took off towards the site of battle. Upon joining the fray, she weaved through the ranks of combatants, making quick strikes at the Devils and Daredevils in her path. Her eyes scanned the area for her father, but it wouldn't take long to find him.

Many Devils were falling to his weapon, a gold-and-silver claymore about the size of himself, with a ruby embedded in its crossguard. He swung it with amazing deft, slaying dozens of frightened Daredevils left and right as they tried to flee. He had the most fierce look on his face, like a lion defending his pride.

Lenora couldn't help but watch King Solas at work. This was her father, the man she looked up to most throughout her life. The kind of person she aspired to be like…

"Lady Lenora!" Gina shouted.

Lenora gasped and turned to see a male Daredevil coming up to her. She moved to counter his attack, but stopped as several silver wires caught him from behind. He screamed in anguish as they squeezed into his body and split him apart, and he turned into a black fire.

Then Gina flew over, her face a bit crossed. A pair of white gloves now covered her hands, looking almost like a second skin.

"Milady, please refrain from rushing by thyself." She said sternly.

"Sorry." Lenora said, a little sheepish.

They ascended to King Solas, whose eyes widened in surprise upon seeing them, then narrowed as he spoke in a frustrated tone.

"Lenora, what art thou doing here? I told thou to leave."

The Princess returned the look. "Father, I'm sorry, but I cannot leave thou or anyone else behind for vy own sake. Please, I wish to be here with thou all, as a Princess of Heaven should."

The King opened his mouth to retort, then stopped for a moment before looking back. Halfway between Hell and Luxuria, a swirling mass of dark red smoke was making its approach. Lenora shivered slightly upon seeing it. Even from here, she could feel a dark power unlike any she felt before.

"The Satanael…I must go." King Solas muttered. "Lenora, thou may fight, but stay back here. Gina, keep her safe."

Then with a great flap of his golden wings, he sped toward the darkness, knocking aside any Devils that got in his way. Lenora squeezed her sword's hit, hoping he would be safe.

"Good luck, Father." She murmured, turning around.

She flew into the crowd of shouting Angels and Devils, with Gina at her side. They darted from one engagement to another, aiding allies who were struggling with their foes. Lenora's blade pierced Devil flesh and sliced their limbs, while Gina's wires wrapped around her targets and tore them apart.

Gradually, the tide turned in the Angels' favor, and the Devils began to fall back. Lenora sighed, relieved that they were being driven off. Then she froze as she felt a dark power. Weaker than the Satanael's, but still something to be shaken by.

She looked around until she saw the source of that power. In the distance, two Devils were speeding forward together, both with large purple wings. Within moments, they were facing the army of Angels.

The first Devil was a middle-aged man, whose face was pleasantly weathered and sported a trimmed beard. He was dressed well in a black suit and a matching tie. His icy blue hair was neatly combed, and his bangs had a little sweep to them. The look he gave with his green eyes was one of contempt.

The second Devil was a woman of a similar age, whose facial features were smooth and mature. She had a voluptuous body, emphasized by her tight black dress. She had a great volume of red hair, which reached to her ankles and curled behind them. She licked her lips as she examined the Angels, her orange eyes blazing in excitement.

"Must we busy ourselves with this riff-raff?" The man said with disgust.

"The Queen's orders are absolute." The woman said airily. "Nobody is to get past us, while she and the others fight King Solas. Let's have fun while we clean up."

An Archangel knight captain scoffed and flew up to them, brandishing his spear. One of the head maids went to join him, spinning her dagger.

"Thou think just two can stop us?" He challenged. "Knights, with ve!"

"Ladies, move in!" The head maid ordered.

They each had a fifteen followers behind them as they charged at the two Devils.

A black bow appeared in the male Devil's hands, and he pulled back its silver string. A bolt of blue energy appeared, along with sigil at its tip.

"Freeze them, Cocytus." He said in a cold manner.

He let it loose, and the knights screamed and fell back as they were bombarded by dozens of arrows. They froze whatever they pierced, and the Angels who were hit on their wings fell to the ground.

At the same time, the female Devil summoned a red leather whip, which became wreathed in flames. With a smirk, she lashed it at the approaching maids, and it extended to great lengths in order to hit the ones up front. They shrieked in pain, and everyone turned to retreat. However, the whip continued to go around, then closed to catch them all.

"Let me hear you scream!" The female Devil said with glee. "Burn them, Salamandra!"

The maids wailed in agony as they were enveloped in a red hot flame, and the woman laughed at their expense.

Lenora scowled in anger as she saw her subjects suffering, and moved to help them. However, Gina pulled her back and gave her a stern look. She glanced at the higher sky, and held up a finger. Once a second passed, she brought it down.

Right after that, a powerful blast of wind came down on the two Devils, who looked up just in time to avoid it. Then a gentler gust swept around the maids, saving them from the fire and carrying them down to the ground.

"Who is that?" The woman said with slight frustration.

Then a booming laugh echoed through the night, and a new Angel descended into the fray. He was around the King's age, with graying black hair that was neatly tied back in a wolf tail. His green eyes held a lot of mirth, matching his wide smile. His figure was massive, and combined with his four golden-brown wings, he cast a shadow over the two Devils.

"I made it just in time!" The Angel declared. "As the King's right hand, I shall vanquish thee! Knight General Theodore shall be your opponent!"

He looked back and beckoned Gina over.

"Maid General, would thou care to join ve?"

She smiled softly and curtsied, then went to hover at his side. She held up her hands, and silver lines sprung from her gloves' fingertips.

"Thou could defeat them by thyself." She said with a hint of amusement.

He laughed aloud. "I shall hold back, because this is a test for thee! Let's see how the prodigal Dominia holds up against a pair of Desiraes! Though I doubt thou will have much trouble, ha ha ha!"

The male Devil sighed. "Oh great, this is getting out of hand. Helga, we are retreating, aren't we?"

The female Devil licked her lips. "Of course not, Vaughn. That girl looks like she hardly screams. I'm going to enjoy breaking her."

"Of course...I suppose I have no choice."

As the two pairs stared each other down, their onlookers moved away. The air around them was rippling from the collective power they were giving off, signaling the danger if anyone were to get caught in the crossfire.

Lenora couldn't help her own amazement as she watched the debacle. This was going to be her first show of power between higher classes of Angels and Devils, and she was curious to see what Gina could do against someone of a similar class.